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“Uncover the Camera Technique That Improves Android Flip Phone Experience”

Everyone is drawn to large foldables due to their increased screen space and extensive productivity features. Nonetheless, smaller foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 or Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 offer their own distinct advantages.

The clamshell design provides a sleek cover-screen interface, and its compact size allows for easy portability. You may have doubts about the practicality of a folding phone that doesn’t exceed the display size of conventional flagship models, but flip phones possess more capabilities than you might assume.

There’s a multitude of functions you can explore with a screen that hinges, and the additional cover display enhances its usability. For photography enthusiasts, the flip phone design effectively serves as a built-in tripod and a rear viewfinder. If you frequently consume media, you might appreciate how Flex mode facilitates a laptop-like viewing experience. Among all the unique features found on Samsung and Motorola flip phones, one that always impresses is Camcorder mode.

This video recording feature combines utility, nostalgia, and entertainment — a fantastic trio. You can learn how to utilize it on your Samsung Galaxy or Motorola Razr flip phone via this guide.

Everything you can do with Camcorder mode

Both Motorola and Samsung provide their personalized Camcorder mode functionality on the Razr and Galaxy flip phones, respectively. It is specifically crafted for the flip phone design, ensuring you won’t find it on larger book-style foldables. The two features operate in a similar manner — with the display partially open, you can rotate your flip phone horizontally to activate Camcorder mode. This displays a live video preview on one half of the main screen while the other half remains available for thumb controls.

It imitates the sensation of using a classic camcorder, which featured flip-out screens for monitoring recordings. Using a foldable phone, you can opt to show the viewfinder on just the inner display or on both. This offers a more comfortable method for recording horizontal video compared to trying to hold the phone fully extended without obstructing the camera lenses.

Motorola provides options that dictate the behavior upon activating Camcorder mode. By default, engaging Camcorder mode instantly begins recording. Alternatively, you can configure Camcorder mode to initiate recording a few moments after you fold the phone halfway, or only when you manually start it. When active, Camcorder mode reveals a touchpad that can zoom in and out or control recording start and stop.

Samsung’s variant doesn’t automatically begin recording, but it keeps all video controls active while Camcorder mode is engaged. This allows for easier adjustments to settings during recording, though you must be more cautious about where your thumb is pressing or swiping compared to the Motorola version.

How to use Camcorder mode on a flip phone

Activating Camcorder mode is straightforward regardless of whether you own a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip or a Motorola Razr. Nevertheless, the available features on each foldable brand vary slightly, so here are the instructions tailored for each device:

How to use Samsung’s Camcorder mode

1. Launch the Camera app.
2. Select the Video mode.
3. Fold your display halfway toward you. This is known as Flex mode.
4. Rotate your device to landscape orientation while keeping it halfway folded.
5. Camcorder mode is now engaged. You can initiate or stop recording, take photos, zoom in or out, or modify camera settings with your thumb on one half of the screen — while enjoying a live preview on the other half.
6. Optionally, you can tap the cover screen icon to view a live preview on the external display concurrently.

How to use Motorola’s Camcorder mode

1. Launch the Camera app.
2. Select the Video mode.
3. Fold your display halfway toward you.
4. Rotate your device to landscape orientation while keeping it halfway folded.
5. This will automatically commence recording in Camcorder mode. You can use the touchpad on one half of the screen to initiate or cease recording or zoom in or out with your thumb while observing a live preview on the opposite half.
6. Unlike on a Samsung Galaxy phone, you need to turn a Motorola Razr back to vertical orientation to modify camera settings. You can’t perform any actions other than zoom or switch the camera while in Camcorder mode.

Camcorder mode places video controls exactly where you require them

The ergonomic design of Camcorder mode is what truly enhances the feature. You can comfortably grasp the bottom portion of a flip phone while recording without the concern of blocking the camera lenses. Since the upper section of the foldable is half-open and facing outward, it remains completely unobtrusive, assuring that the cameras have an unobstructed view of your subject.

Another advantage is the ability to start or stop a recording with a simple tap using your thumb. Swiping adjusts the zoom levels on both Motorola and Samsung devices, while Galaxy Z Flip models offer additional toggles. I can switch the megapixel mode.

Apple TV Unveils New Psychological Crime Thriller Series

### Flawed Women: A New Psychological Thriller Series on Apple TV

Apple TV has recently revealed the trailer for its forthcoming psychological thriller series, *Flawed Women*, scheduled to launch globally on **Wednesday, March 18, 2026**. This limited series examines the consequences of a startling crime, focusing on themes of remorse, deception, and the intricacies of friendship.

#### Trailer Highlights

The trailer for *Flawed Women* suggests a captivating storyline brimming with surprising twists, positioning it as an appealing choice for viewers drawn to crime dramas that challenge their understanding of relationships. The series will kick off with its initial two episodes, followed by weekly installments until April 29, 2026.

#### Talented Cast

*Flawed Women* features a remarkable cast, showcasing renowned actors such as Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington, Kate Mara, Joel Kinnaman, Corey Stoll, and Leslie Odom Jr. This skilled ensemble is poised to add depth and complexity to their roles as they deal with the repercussions of the central crime.

#### Story Synopsis

As per Apple’s official plot description, *Flawed Women* revolves around a crime that disrupts the lives of three women connected by a decades-long friendship. The series aims to delve into the complex dynamics of guilt and revenge, affection and betrayal, and the life-changing compromises that can emerge in tight-knit relationships. As the investigation progresses, audiences will learn that even the closest friendships may conceal hidden realities.

#### Similarities to Other Shows

The concept of *Flawed Women* draws comparisons to HBO’s *Big Little Lies*, which also investigates the darker aspects of friendship and community. Like *Big Little Lies*, *Flawed Women* is adapted from a novel, although it is structured as a self-contained season, providing a complete story arc without the anticipation of additional seasons.

#### Viewing Details

*Flawed Women* will be accessible on Apple TV, which offers subscriptions for **$12.99 per month**. Viewers can also utilize a discounted rate through the Apple One bundle, which merges several Apple services.

As excitement grows for the series, aficionados of psychological thrillers and character-driven stories are urged to save the date for this intriguing new entry in Apple TV’s offerings. Will you be watching when *Flawed Women* premieres next month?

Leaked Email Discloses Ring’s Intentions to Employ Surveillance Capability for User Oversight

### The Debate Surrounding Ring’s Search Party Functionality

When Amazon unveiled the enhancement of its Ring Search Party functionality, intended to assist in finding lost pets, the reaction was far from the anticipated wave of enthusiasm. Rather, it incited considerable public dissent, with many perceiving it as a concerning move toward expanded surveillance abilities. This response was intensified by worries over privacy and the possibility that the feature could be utilized for identifying individuals rather than just animals.

#### The Dystopian Consequences

The launch of the lost dog functionality was showcased through a Super Bowl commercial, seeking to portray a touching picture of communal assistance. However, detractors swiftly made connections between the drive to locate lost dogs and the pre-existing facial recognition technology found in Ring’s video doorbells. This led to apprehensions that the Search Party functionality might transform into a means of observing human behavior, heightening concerns about privacy infringements and the ramifications of augmented surveillance.

Public opinion shifted dramatically against the initiative, causing Ring to reassess its plans for a collaboration with law enforcement via Flock Safety. The backlash illuminated an increasing discomfort with how technology firms, especially those entangled in surveillance, are viewed in the present environment.

#### Leaked Correspondence Confirms Surveillance Intentions

The situation escalated when a leaked correspondence from Ring’s founder, Jamie Siminoff, emerged, validating fears that the firm aimed to broaden the Search Party functionality beyond merely finding pets. The correspondence, which Ring has confirmed as genuine, delineated a vision where the technology could potentially “eradicate crime in neighborhoods.” This remark provoked additional anxieties about the ramifications of such surveillance capabilities and the moral considerations that accompany them.

Siminoff’s assertions hinted at a future where the technology could be leveraged to scrutinize human actions under the pretense of community security, triggering worries of a dystopian scenario where privacy is profoundly compromised.

#### Public Relations Consequences

Following the backlash and the disclosure of the leaked correspondence, Siminoff has initiated an “apology campaign” to confront the escalating concerns and rebuild public confidence. The scenario mirrors a larger dialogue about the position of technology in society, particularly concerning surveillance and privacy rights.

As organizations like Amazon persist in innovating and broadening their technological reach, the equilibrium between security and privacy remains a divisive topic. The Ring Search Party functionality exemplifies the possible ramifications of surveillance technology and the societal reaction to perceived overstepping.

### Conclusion

The debate surrounding Ring’s Search Party functionality highlights the fragile balance between technological progress and ethical considerations. As society navigates the implications of surveillance technology, it is vital for companies to pursue transparent practices and reflect on the potential impacts of their innovations on personal privacy and civil liberties.

Meta’s Imminent Smartwatch Probably Won’t Measure Up Against Apple Watch

**Meta’s Upcoming Smartwatch: A Companion to Smart Glasses**

A recent article suggests that Meta is planning to introduce a smartwatch later this year, though it is not expected to directly rival the Apple Watch. Instead, this device may act as an accessory to Meta’s forthcoming smart glasses.

The notion of a Meta smartwatch was initially alluded to in 2021 via a leaked image discovered in the Ray-Ban Stories app. While early plans encountered delays and were allegedly shelved, later reports have indicated that the initiative has been revitalized, with a possible launch imminent.

As per a paywalled article from *The Information*, Meta aims for a release towards the end of this year. The smartwatch is anticipated to enhance the functionality of the company’s upcoming smart glasses, which may include a display. CNET speculates that the watch will mainly operate as a supplementary device, improving the features of the smart glasses.

Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, has previously noted that the neural band introduced with the Ray-Ban Display glasses could ultimately sync with a smartwatch. This aligns with the vision of a neural-enhanced watch launching alongside the next-gen Ray-Ban Display glasses, especially as rivals like Apple and Google prepare to penetrate similar markets.

From a strategic perspective, it seems that Meta is prioritizing smart glasses as its main conduit for delivering AI functionalities. The incorporation of a fitness tracker within an accompanying neural band appears to be a sensible development.

Although the Meta smartwatch may not significantly threaten the Apple Watch, the competitive environment could change dramatically with the eventual introduction of Apple Glasses. As the wearable technology market keeps evolving, the interaction between these devices will be vital in influencing consumer choices and technological progress.

Enhance Your PC with a Mini Monitor Using the ESP32 Desktop Monitor Project – CNX Software

TENSTAR T Display ESP32

While searching AliExpress for new products, I found the TENSTAR T-Display ESP32-D0WD with a 1.14-inch IPS color IPS LCD and 16MB of QSPI flash that’s used by some as a tiny secondary mirrored monitor for their PC. The board appears to be a low-cost alternative to the original LilyGo T-Display, and also integrates a USB-to-TTL converter (CH9102F), a battery charging circuit, a toggle switch, and two user-programmable buttons, which makes it suitable for projects like the NerdMiner and small-scale dashboards for home automation. The hardware does not seem special, yet they sold over 10,000 pieces of the board. After looking into it, the ESP32 Desktop Monitor project is probably the “culprit” for the high sales number, as it transforms the board into a regular monitor, albeit with a tiny 1.14-inch LCD. More on that after the specifications. TENSTAR T-Display Specifications: SoC – Espressif Systems ESP32-D0WDQ6-V3 MCU cores – Dual-core Xtensa LX6 32-bit […]

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Black Sesame Technologies Wudang C1200 Automotive SoCs with up to 10x Cortex-A78AE Cores – CNX Software

Black Sesame Technology C1200 family

I found two interesting automotive SoCs in the Linux 6.19 changelog: Renesas R-Car X5H 16-/32-core Cortex-A720AE SoC and Black Sesame Technologies’ “Wudang” C1200 8-/10-core Cortex-A78AE processor family. While announced in 2024, there’s still no product page for the Renesas chip. So today, I’ll focus on the Wudang C1200 family. They are designed to be automotive-grade “cross-domain computing platforms” capable of handling multiple functions such as in-cabin sensing systems (e.g., driver attention monitoring), infotainment, auto-parking systems, safety information, autonomous driving, and more. Wudang C1296 10-core SoC Wudang C1296 specifications: CPU 10x Arm Cortex-A78AE automotive-grade cores Dual-Core Lockstep (DCLS) supported, ASIL-D compliance Up to 32K DMIPS (or 16K DMIPS in DCLS) GPU –  Automotive-grade Arm Mali-G78AE GPU; DCLS supported, ASIL-D compliance NPU – DynamAl NN Engine Hybrid precision 4-bit/8-bit MAC array Overall 80% utilization of convolution layers MAC Array Sparse support for storage and acceleration INT8/INT16, FP16 GEMM and nonlinear functions acceleration […]

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TOPST D3-G SBC Utilizes Telechips TCT8050 “Dolphin3” Cortex-A72/A53/R5 Automotive-Grade SoC – CNX Software

TOPST D3-G SBC

TOPST D3-G is a single board computer (SBC) powered by a Telechips TCT8050 “Dolphin3/3M” 9-core automotive-grade SoC with four Cortex-A72 cores, four Cortex-A53 cores, and one real-time Cortex-R5 core. The board features 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4 RAM, 32GB eMMC flash and a microSD card for storage, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a DisplayPort 1.2 connector capable of driving four display through MST, two MIPI CSI connectors, a PCIe Gen3x 1 slot, a few USB ports, a 40-pin GPIO header compatible with Raspberry Pi HAT+, and three CAN Bus interfaces. TOPST D3-G specifications: SoC  – Telechips TCC8050 (Dolphin3) CPU(45,180 DMIPS​) Quad-core Arm Cortex-A72 @ 1.69 GHz, 31,840 DMIPS​ Quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 @1.45 GHz, 13,340 DMIPS​​ Real-time MCU core – Arm Cortex-R5 @ 600 MHz GPU – Imagination Technologies PowerVR 9XTP (GT9524) delivering up to 168 GFLOPS; Supported APIs: OpenGL ES 1.1 / 2.0 / 3.2, Vulkan 1.2, OpenCL 2.0 / 3.0 System […]

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Beelink ME Pro 2-Bay Intel N95/N150 NAS & Mini PC with 5GbE Networking, Supports up to 3x M.2 NVMe SSDs – CNX Software

Beelink Me Pro

Beelink ME Pro is a compact 2-bay hybrid NAS and Windows 11 mini PC built around Intel N95 (Alder Lake-N) or N150 (Twin Lake) SoC, and equipped with two 3.5-/2.5-inch SATA bays and three M.2 2280 NVMe slots for storage. It also features a “DIY drawer” design that lets users swap the motherboard for upgrades. The system also features up to 16 GB of LPDDR5 memory, 5 GbE and 2.5 GbE networking, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and various I/Os, including USB-C (10 Gbps), USB-A, HDMI 2.0, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. An internal blower-based cooling system, an aluminum chassis with thermal pads, and anti-vibration drive mounts help with improved thermals and noise control. Target applications include home NAS, media server, Proxmox/TrueNAS host, small office file server, lightweight virtualization, backup appliance, and compact desktop PC. Beelink ME Pro specifications: SoC(one or the other) Intel Processor N95 quad-core “Alder Lake-N” processor […]

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PicoClaw: Ultra-Lightweight Personal AI Assistant Operates on Just 10MB of RAM – CNX Software

PicoClaw lightweight personal AI Assistant embedded systems

PicoClaw is an ultra-lightweight personal AI Assistant designed to work on less than 10 MB RAM and suitable for resource-constrained embedded boards such as the Sipeed LicheeRV Nano SBC going for around $15 and powered by a SOPHGO SG2002 RISC-V SoC with 256MB on-chip DDR3. I keep reading news about the OpenClaw personal AI assistant, after first finding out about it when the Cubie A7S SBC was launched. OpenClaw (previously ClawdBot) clears your inbox, sends emails, manages your calendar, and checks you in for flights from WhatsApp, Telegram, or any chat app. It’s been shown to run a range of hardware platforms, but it can be resource-intensive, and HKUDS created the nanobot ultra-lightweight personal AI assistant with about ~4,000 lines of Python code, or roughly 99% smaller than Clawdbot’s 430k+ lines. PicoClaw further builds on the nanobot project, and has been “refactored from the ground up in Go through a […]

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PiLink PL-R5/R5M Series: IP20/IP65 Industrial PCs with Raspberry Pi CM5 – CNX Software

PiLink PL-R5 DIO CAN IP65

Made by Japan-based PiLink, the PL-R5 and PL-R5M Series are compact industrial PCs powered by a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5) and offered with either IP20 or IP65 ingress protection rating. The PL-R5 Series provides one USB 3.0 port, one Gigabit Ethernet port, and 9V to 40V DC input, while the PL-R5M Series offers one USB 2.0 port, one 100 Mbps Ethernet port, an optional extra Gigabit Ethernet port, and a 10.7V to 28.8V DC input range. Both include optional WiFi 5 and Bluetooth, an M.2 B-Key socket for cellular, optional RS-232, RS-485, I2C interfaces, and more. The IP65 models are offered in Basic, Basic Plus (adds 4x analog inputs, 4x DI/DO), and USB (3x USB ports) configurations. The PL-R5 also adds a DIO CAN IP65 variant with two DI, two DO, and two CAN Bus interfaces. The IP20 variants have an even wider choice of options. PiLink PL-R5/R5M […]

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